President Donald Trump’s approval rating is on a decline as he passes the 100-day milestone of his second term. Recent polling data reveal that he is trailing behind all other 21st-century presidents at similar stages of their presidencies.
The recent Fox News poll indicates Trump’s approval rating is at 44%, with a net approval of -11 points. This reflects a drop from the 49% approval rating recorded in March by the same poll.
Another point of concern for Trump is that his current approval rating is lower than during his first term at the same juncture. At the 100-day mark in his previous term, he had a 45% approval rating, showing a decrease in his second term.
The same Fox News poll reports that Trump lags behind his predecessors at the same point in their terms. Joe Biden had an approval rating of 54%, Barack Obama had 62%, and George W. Bush had 63% at their respective 100-day marks.
In response to the Fox News poll, Trump criticized the network’s polling accuracy, claiming the “pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years,” as per reports.
Economic concerns seem to be driving the drop in approval, posing a challenge since the economy was a strong point during Trump’s first term. The Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 37% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, with the Fox News poll showing a similar figure of 38% approval and 56% disapproval.
Trump faces significant disapproval on inflation, with only 33% approving and 59% disapproving, according to the Fox News poll. His tariff policies are also unpopular, with just 33% approval and 58% disapproval.
The Pew Research Center survey conducted in April 2025 shows Trump’s overall approval has fallen to 40%, down from 47% in February. Pew notes that Trump’s key policy actions, including tariff hikes, department cuts, and extensive use of executive orders, are more negatively viewed by the public.
Trump’s tariff policies appear to be a significant factor in his declining ratings. The CNBC All-America Economic Survey recorded his lowest economic approval ratings, with just 43% of Americans approving of his performance.
According to the CNBC survey, fewer than half of U.S. adults, at 45%, have confidence in Trump’s economic decision-making, marking a 14-point drop from the previous year.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll also suggests that many Americans are cautious about Trump’s efforts to expand his power.
The poll reveals that 57% of respondents disagree with the notion that a president can withhold funding from universities they oppose, and 66% believe the president should not have control over national cultural institutions.
Trump’s approval rating has reached its lowest level since the start of his second term, at 42%, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.
One area where Trump sees approval is in border security. The Fox News poll indicates that 55% of respondents approve of his handling of this issue.
However, Trump’s foreign policy ratings are “underwater,” with 40% approving and 54% disapproving according to the Fox News poll.
The decline in Trump’s approval rating has been notable since January. According to New York Magazine’s analysis, his net approval has dropped from a positive 11.6% in January to a negative 7% in April, a decrease of 18.6 percentage points.
Trump’s current economic approval ratings are particularly significant given that his 2024 election win was largely based on promises to reduce inflation and boost the economy.
While Trump’s overall approval during his second term has averaged 45%, which is higher than his first term, it remains lower than previous post-World War II presidents at similar stages.
Economic concerns appear focused on inflation and consumer costs. Polling data shows that 47% of respondents cite the price of food and consumer goods as their main economic worry, with housing/rent costs and the stock market also significant concerns.